Controllable dual Cu-Cu2O sites derived from CuxAl-LDH for CO2 electroreduction to hydrocarbons

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 affords a potential way to mitigate the greenhouse effect and fuel crisis. In this work, we compared highly-dispersed CuO nanocomposites and Cu-Cu2O nanocomposites which all derived from CuxAl-LDH for CO2 electrochemical reduction. The Cu-Cu2O based nanocomposites obtained through the restoration strategies still retain its layered structure, simultaneously increasing dual Cu-Cu2O active sites, which exhibit excellent performance in selective reduction of CO2 to C2H4. The Cu5Al-ER obtained through in-situ electrochemical reduction is modified by bulk phase, which can regulate active species, increase surface active sites, enhance C-C coupling. Meanwhile, the electrochemical strategy offers numerous benefits, including gentle conditions, adjustable monitoring, exceptional efficiency and adaptability. We have confirmed that costeffective Cu-Cu2O based nanocomposite derived from Cu5Al-LDH can effectively promote C-C coupling during electrochemical CO2 conversion and improve FEC2H4. The FEC2H4 of Cu5Al-ER reaches 36% at -1.2 V vs. RHE. And the current density reaches -172 mA & sdot;cm- 2 at -1.6 V vs. RHE. The results showed that compared to Cu5AlLDO, the FEC2H4 of Cu5Al-ER increased by 2.6 times. In addition, Cu5Al-ER exhibits excellent stability during the 12 hours CO2 catalytic reduction process.